Unlocking Excellence: Advancing Meritocracy in State Sector Recruitment

Reclaiming Excellence: Restoring Integrity in the Sri Lanka Foreign Service

Established in 1949 with the noble goal of furnishing Sri Lanka with adept career diplomats to navigate foreign relations and safeguard national interests abroad, the Sri Lanka Foreign Service (SLFS) was envisioned as a bastion of efficiency and competence. Regrettably, this vision has been tarnished by rampant politicization, transforming the SLFS into a shadow of its intended purpose.

A damning feature article titled 'Sri Lanka Foreign Service – a Den of Political Appointees', published in the national daily, Daily Mirror, on June 20, 2023, sheds light on the depths of degradation within the SLFS due to political interference. It exposes a troubling trend of questionable appointments, particularly to pivotal diplomatic posts, resulting in the systemic collapse of the Foreign Service System. Political patronage has eclipsed meritocracy, with individuals lacking in foreign service acumen appointed as ambassadors and high commissioners to key nations. Furthermore, the nepotistic tendencies extend beyond the appointees themselves, as their relatives and offspring are ushered into foreign missions at the expense of taxpayers, offering little benefit to the nation.

The gravity of the situation is further underscored by Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) in a Position Paper titled 'Integrity of recruitment to Sri Lanka Foreign Service – A Debate on Governance Issues', published on June 11, 2008. The TISL's incisive analysis exposes the corrosive impact of politicization on SLFS recruitment, with unsuitable individuals handpicked by political authorities for cadre positions, bypassing merit-based selection processes. It advocates for strict adherence to recruiting solely from within the SLFS ranks under the oversight of the Public Service Commission (PSC). Additionally, the TISL emphasizes the urgent need for formulating and implementing criteria aligned with international best practices to safeguard against questionable recruitment practices.

As the SLFS stands at a crossroads, it is imperative to embark on a journey of reform, reestablishing meritocracy, professionalism, and integrity at its core. Only through concerted efforts to depoliticize recruitment and uphold international standards can the SLFS reclaim its rightful stature as a beacon of excellence in diplomatic service.

Rethinking State-Owned Enterprises: A Call for Reform in Sri Lanka

State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) in Sri Lanka, governed by Administer Part 2 of the Finance Act No: 38 of 1971 and the Companies Act No: 47 of 2007, wield significant influence across vital service sectors including energy, water, ports, banking and insurance, public transportation, aviation, and construction, constituting a cornerstone of the nation's economy. While SOEs have historically propelled economic growth in various Asian countries like South Korea, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Azerbaijan, their trajectory in Sri Lanka presents a stark contrast, posing formidable challenges and burdening taxpayers with sustained losses.

Analysts attribute the chronic unprofitability of SOEs in Sri Lanka to pervasive politicization, fostering an environment ripe for corruption and mismanagement. Unlike the Public Service Commission (PSC), an independent body tasked with appointments to positions in the public service, there exists no equivalent entity to oversee SOEs. Consequently, political authorities wield unchecked influence in appointing high-ranking officials, often bypassing merit-based criteria even for lower-level positions, perpetuating a cycle of patronage and nepotism.

The toll of this dysfunction is evident in the staggering financial losses incurred by SOEs. An article titled 'Sri Lanka’s SOEs are a big part of its economic problem', featured in 'The Diplomat' on July 27, 2022, highlights the dire state of affairs. Political analyst Tatal Rafi underscores that as of 2019, SOE losses surpassed national expenditures on Education and Health combined, with scant transparency exacerbating the issue. The privatization and subsequent re-nationalization of SriLankan Airlines serve as a poignant example, with cumulative losses soaring to Rs. 302 billion since 2008, following a brief period of profitability under private management.

Furthermore, a report by Verite Research published on March 5, 2017, reveals a concerning escalation in combined losses among SOEs, surging to Rs. 87 billion in 2017 from Rs. 42 billion in the previous year.

As Sri Lanka grapples with the economic ramifications of unsustainable SOE practices, urgent reform is imperative. A departure from politicization towards merit-based governance, coupled with enhanced transparency and accountability measures, is essential to revitalize SOEs and restore confidence in their pivotal role within the national economy.

Urging Reform: A Call for Merit-Based Governance in Sri Lanka's State Sector

In November 2015, President Ranil Wickremesinghe, then serving as Prime Minister of the National Unity government, articulated a pressing need for effective management of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) during his Economic Policy Statement in Parliament. Emphasizing the importance of sound economic stewardship and the appointment of efficient managers, he acknowledged the pervasive challenges afflicting these enterprises, which often operate at a loss due to various factors. His commitment to rectifying this issue resonated with the public, who anticipated tangible steps towards improvement.

Now, in his capacity as Executive President, expectations run high for President Wickremesinghe to deliver on his promise of reforming the state sector. The prevailing state of affairs underscores the urgency of addressing systemic inefficiencies and financial losses plaguing not only SOEs but the entire state apparatus.

It is evident that nepotism and cronyism have permeated the appointment process within the state sector, with unsuitable individuals favored for key positions based on familial or friendly ties, while lower ranks are inundated with cronies, often surpassing actual cadre requirements. This blatant disregard for meritocracy has fueled inefficiency and contributed to financial losses, exacerbating the burden on taxpayers.

In light of these challenges, there is a resounding call from the populace for a paradigm shift towards merit-based governance. Every appointment within the state sector, including the public service, should be strictly contingent upon merit, ensuring that individuals entrusted with public funds are selected based on competence, qualifications, and integrity.

As Sri Lanka stands at a crucial juncture, President Wickremesinghe has the opportunity to effect meaningful change by championing meritocracy and instilling accountability within the state sector. By prioritizing merit-based appointments and fostering a culture of transparency and professionalism, he can pave the way for a more efficient, accountable, and prosperous governance framework.

In conclusion, the imperative for reform within Sri Lanka's state sector, particularly concerning State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and the public service, cannot be overstated. President Ranil Wickremesinghe's past commitment to addressing inefficiencies and financial losses within SOEs, coupled with the current public expectation for decisive action, underscores the pressing need for transformative change. Embracing merit-based governance, where appointments are made solely on the basis of competence and integrity, is paramount to restoring public trust, fostering efficiency, and safeguarding the nation's economic interests. As Sri Lanka navigates this critical juncture, President Wickremesinghe has a unique opportunity to lead the charge towards a more transparent, accountable, and prosperous state sector, thereby fulfilling the aspirations of the people and securing a brighter future for the nation.